After an astonishing 26 years and 137 caps, Ildefons Lima has bid farewell to the international football stage, marking the conclusion of one of the longest and most illustrious careers in international football history.
A Journey That Spanned Decades: Lima, at the age of 43 years and 276 days, holds the remarkable distinction of being the oldest player to grace a European Championship qualifier, a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to the sport.
His international journey began at the tender age of 17 when he made his debut for Andorra in 1997, scoring a goal in only their second official fixture against Estonia. From that moment, Lima’s commitment to his nation knew no bounds, as he continued to represent Andorra in every decade that followed.
On a poignant Tuesday evening, Lima took the field for the last time in an international match, with Andorra facing Switzerland. After 23 minutes, he was substituted, and as he left the pitch, he received a standing ovation from both Swiss and Andorran supporters, a fitting tribute to his extraordinary career.
Records and Achievements: In 2021, Lima’s incredible journey earned him recognition from the Guinness World Records for achieving the longest international playing career, an accolade that cements his place in football history.
Lima’s contributions as Andorra’s captain have been invaluable, despite the challenges faced by a nation with a population of just 79,000. He has endured over 100 international defeats but also celebrated seven competitive victories, including a memorable 2-0 win over Liechtenstein in 2022 during the Nations League.
His versatility as a center-back earned him the distinction of becoming the third European footballer to earn caps in four different decades, joining the esteemed company of Welsh international Billy Meredith and Finland’s Jari Litmanen.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Lima has been Andorra’s all-time leading goal scorer, finding the net 11 times. One of his standout moments was a stunning sixth-minute penalty that gave Andorra a surprise lead against Wales in 2014. Although Gareth Bale’s heroics led Wales to victory, Lima’s goal remains a cherished memory for Andorran football.
Lima has also etched his name in World Cup history, scoring the opening goal in a 3-1 loss to the Republic of Ireland during a World Cup qualifier in Dublin in 2001.
Challenges and Resilience: Lima’s journey has not been without its share of challenges. In 2020, he was temporarily removed from the Andorran squad after advocating for increased Covid-19 testing for players. However, with the support of manager Koldo Alvarez and FIFpro, he made a triumphant return to the national team the following year.
On the club front, Lima has represented Espanyol, Las Palmas, and Rayo Vallecano in Spain. Currently, he plies his trade for FC Andorra B, a club owned by former Spain defender Gerard Pique.
Ildefons Lima’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication, remarkable resilience, and enduring love for the beautiful game. His legacy will continue to inspire football enthusiasts around the world for generations to come.https://www.sportiwe.com/
